don’t delete social media. do this instead

Summary

This video shares practical steps for reducing social media usage without deleting apps entirely. The speaker emphasizes that social media can be challenging to quit, especially with societal pressures and family connections. The four steps include: making apps less accessible, getting comfortable with boredom, finding a passion or activity to fill the free time, and giving yourself an hour a day for unstructured use. By following these steps, users can gain the benefits of reducing social media use while still maintaining a balanced, fulfilling routine.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social media can be hard to quit, but there are ways to reduce its impact without deleting it entirely.
• 😀 Snapchat can feel pointless, but it can be useful for staying connected with family or important groups.
• 😀 Deleting social media entirely might be beneficial, but it's not the only solution to reduce its negative effects.
• 😀 Making social media less accessible can reduce temptation—delete apps from your phone or set time limits on their use.
• 😀 Physically distancing yourself from your phone can help manage your usage, especially while studying or working.
• 😀 Embrace boredom—resisting the urge to fill every moment with distractions can lead to healthier habits.
• 😀 Use free time to explore a passion or hobby you've always wanted to pursue, like creating videos or learning a new skill.
• 😀 Set three daily goals: one for your mind (study), one for your body (exercise), and one for your spirit (meditation or prayer).
• 😀 Scheduling an hour of free time before your night routine helps ensure you unwind without guilt.
• 😀 Prioritize your important tasks first, so you can enjoy your phone or leisure time without feeling like you've neglected other responsibilities.

Q & A

Why is it hard to delete social media completely, especially for teenagers?

It's hard to delete social media because it's deeply integrated into daily life, often used for staying in touch with friends and family, and many people feel a strong sense of connection or obligation to stay active on platforms.

What is one reason the person in the script continues to use Snapchat despite thinking it's pointless?

They continue to use Snapchat because of a family group chat, demonstrating how social media can serve as a necessary tool for staying connected with loved ones, even if the platform itself isn't seen as beneficial.

What are some benefits of not using social media as described in the script?

The benefits include reduced distractions, more time to focus on personal goals and passions, and a healthier mental state by avoiding the pressure and comparison often found on social media.

What does the script suggest as an alternative to completely deleting social media?

The script suggests steps like making apps less accessible, setting time limits, finding ways to be comfortable with boredom, discovering personal passions, and scheduling free time to balance social media use.

What is the first step to reducing social media use according to the script?

The first step is to make the apps less accessible by deleting them from your phone so they can only be used on a computer, which makes it less convenient and reduces temptation.

Why is getting comfortable with boredom an important step?

Getting comfortable with boredom helps reduce the urge to mindlessly scroll through social media when feeling bored. It encourages embracing moments of stillness and using time more meaningfully.

How can setting three goals for the day help reduce social media use?

Setting three goals for the mind, body, and spirit helps direct focus toward productive and fulfilling activities, reducing the time and mental energy available for social media use.

What type of activities are recommended for the three goals in the script?

For the mind, activities like studying are suggested; for the body, taking a walk; and for the spirit, practices like praying or meditating are recommended to nurture different aspects of well-being.

What is the fourth step to managing social media use, as explained in the script?

The fourth step is to schedule one hour each day for free time, ensuring this time is set aside after completing important tasks, so it doesn't interfere with your priorities and you can unwind without guilt.

How does scheduling free time help in balancing social media use?

Scheduling free time helps ensure that important tasks are prioritized first, and once they are completed, you can use the remaining time however you like, including social media, without feeling guilty.